Aboriginality

In the latter half of 2009 the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Incorporated (NSW AECG Inc.) became increasingly concerned about the increased level of community concern regarding the issue of Aboriginal identity.

Of particular concern to the NSW AECG Inc were allegations of possible fraudulent claims to Aboriginality by some applicants for the former NSW Department of Education and Training’s (DET) targeted teacher training scholarships. Concerns were also evident relating to the veracity of some applicants for teaching positions and/or for promotions and transfers within the teaching service administered by the DET now the Department of Education and Communities (DEC).

As part of its response to these concerns the NSW AECG Inc., at its 1st State Meeting of 2010 at Campbelltown and again at its 2011 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Novotel, Brighton Le Sands in March 2011, decided to commission a project to gauge Aboriginal community views on Aboriginality and identity and to receive recommendations relating to how the NSW AECG Inc. could more effectively respond to the complex issue and challenge of Aboriginality and identity.

To assist with this process, the NSW AECG Inc. decided to contract Bob Morgan Consulting to conduct a project of issues associated with the current definition of Aboriginal Identity and the current procedures by which individuals can claim or confirm their status as Aboriginal people.

The report produced fourteen (14) recommendations for the NSW AECG Inc. (and other organisations) consideration.

At the 2011 2nd State Meeting the NSW AECG Inc. State Committee accepted the report and at the 2012 1st State Meeting the State Committee voted on the recommendations providing the NSW AECG Inc. with a policy direction to advocate on behalf of its members and Aboriginal community.